[Peace-discuss] Re: AWARE Tabling Guidelines 12/2007

[Stuart Levy]

Most of this makes sense to me, but I'm surprised to see
these guidelines discouraging us from expressing personal
political views.  I see the point of not wanting to say that
such-and-such is some sort of official position of AWARE as a group,
but how can we pretend to have no political views of our own
when we are peace activists at a table of a peace-activism group?
It's not as though we have 501(c)3 status to protect.

On Sun, Dec 02, 2007 at 11:25:00PM -0600, Jan & Durl Kruse wrote:
>> As requested at the AWARE meeting tonight an update of the *AWARE Tabling 
>> Guidelines* are being sent to those who volunteer at the AWARE table 
>> (Farmer's Market/ Holiday Market in the Square).   This update is meant to 
>> assist you and help make the AWARE tabling experience easier and more 
>> productive for AWARE members as well as the public.
>> These guidelines are an updated version from the original AWARE Guidelines 
>> of 2004-2005.
>
>> AWARE Tabling Guidelines 12/2007
>>
>> (These Guidelines are to provided to facilitate a positive and respectful 
>> relationship between AWARE representatives and the general public when 
>> serving as a volunteer of AWARE.)
>>
>> 1) Purpose of tabling:
>> •	To provide a visible and public presence regarding anti-war and 
>> anti-racism issues.
>> •	To provide timely information about these issues and related topics to 
>> the general public.
>> •	To provide an opportunity and the means for individuals to become 
>> involved.
>>
>> 2) Engaging the public:
>> •	Our purpose is to challenge and engage the public in a constructive 
>> manner.
>> •	Dialog and discussion are appropriate and to be expected, however 
>> these should remain civil.
>>      AWARE representatives should avoid being confrontational  or 
>> argumentative.
>> •	Make frequent reference to AWARE materials to discuss AWARE positions 
>> and detailed information on particular topics.
>> •	Cordially invite those interested or with questions to our weekly 
>> Sunday meetings.
>>
>> 3) AWARE items for sale:   (yard signs, buttons, bumper stickers and T- 
>> shirts)
>> *       AWARE Members  are usually asked to sell items at the AWARE table. 
>>  AWARE asks the public to donate the cost of the items.
>> *       On occasion AWARE may sell some items as a fund-raiser and make a 
>> small profit to help cover cost of AWARE programs..
>>
>> 4) Advocating for a particular political party or candidate:
>> •	AWARE does not endorse or advocate for any candidate or political 
>> party. .
>> •	AWARE is a diverse group with a variety of political views.
>> •	Although AWARE members may have strong views regarding individual 
>> candidates or political parties,
>>      AWARE representatives must be careful NOT to  express or impose 
>> personal political views.
>> •	AWARE members should refrain from advocating, endorsing or voicing 
>> personal preferences for political candidates for political office
>>      at the local, state or national level while representing AWARE at the 
>> AWARE table.
>>
>> 5) AWARE meetings:
>> *       Although not required,  attendance at the Sunday AWARE meetings 
>> may assist volunteers to understand and participate in the development of
>>         tabling guidelines and thus promote a more productive and positive 
>> experience as a representative of AWARE.
>>
>> 6) Remember to have fun and enjoy the time volunteering at the AWARE 
>> table.  Your time and effort are appreciated and do make a difference!
>
> JAN Kruse